No Such Thing as “Workers’ Compensation” Leave

by Jennifer Shaw | | May 19, 2025

California’s public policy favors the workers’ compensation system as the preferred means to remedy employees’ work-related injuries. The system is based on the “compensation bargain,” under which employees give up the right to sue for personal injuries occurring in...

Return-to-Office Initiatives

by Jennifer Shaw | | May 12, 2025

Since the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago, employers have permitted employees to work remotely (telework) or work a hybrid schedule. Recently, however, employers are increasingly requiring employees to return to in-person work. These return-to-office initiatives...

Prospectively-Signed Meal Waivers Are Enforceable

by Jennifer Shaw | | May 5, 2025

On April 21, the California Court of Appeal issued a significant ruling in favor of employers. In Bradsbery v. Vicar Operating, the court held that revocable meal period waivers prospectively signed by employees are enforceable, unless the waivers are unconscionable...

Employer “Reasonable Steps” Under PAGA

by Jennifer Shaw | | April 29, 2025

In 2004, California enacted the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which allows employees to sue their employer on behalf of the state for certain Labor Code violations against all aggrieved employees. Prior to the much-needed 2024 reforms, discussed below,...
X